Good news, everyone.

In a press release Wednesday, UTA announced that another Zero Fare weekend is coming up.

“The Utah Transit Authority will temporarily suspend fare collection and offer Zero Fare systemwide October 16-18 while UTA upgrades its fare collection system,” the release said. “This Zero Fare weekend follows a previous system improvement pause on fare collection September 18-20. UTA is modernizing its fare collection software and hardware to provide riders with a faster, more convenient and flexible payment experience. The upgrades will also create the foundation for additional payment options and new rider benefits.”

According to the release, the fare system upgrades will set the stage for:

• “Enhanced FAREPAY Card connectivity: Soon, riders will be able to sync and manage their UTA accounts online and at ticket vending machines.
• Frequent-rider savings: FAREPAY Card users benefit from fare capping, meaning the more they ride, the more they can save.
• Simple, smart and secure account management: Online FAREPAY accounts will help riders protect their card balances in the event of a lost or stolen card.
• Future payment flexibility: Additional upgrades will enable UTA to accept credit and debit cards and mobile wallets on smartphones and wearable devices as direct payment methods.
• More convenient options for occasional riders and visitors: These enhancements will provide an additional fast, convenient way to pay for transit.”

The Zero Fare weekend applies to all services UTA offers.

In an email to the Standard-Examiner Thursday, UTA Senior Public Information Officer Gavin Gustafson said this was the next phase of the upgrade project.

“Both Zero Fare weekends support the modernization of UTA’s fare collection system, but they are separate phases of the upgrade process,” he said. “The September weekend supported earlier system improvements, while this weekend’s work continues that effort. The goal is to update the technology behind our fare collection system so we can offer a more reliable, convenient and flexible payment experience. Each phase helps move us toward that goal.”

He noted that one of the biggest impacts this weekend’s upgrades will have is on FAREPAY users.

“The most immediate changes will primarily affect customers who manage their FAREPAY Cards online,” he said. “The upgraded system will have a new online customer interface, and those customers will need to access their accounts through the updated website beginning Monday, October 19.

“Other improvements will establish the foundation for additional rider benefits, including easier account management, balance protection for lost or stolen cards, and fare capping that rewards frequent riders with savings. Some of these benefits and payment options will be introduced as further enhancements become available.”

For FAREPAY customers, Gustafson said there will be a few steps to take.

“FAREPAY customers who manage their accounts online will access a new customer interface beginning Monday, October 19, at farepay.rideuta.com,” he said. “Customers should follow the instructions on UTA’s website to update their password, security information and payment information. Riders who need to link a FAREPAY Card to an account can also follow UTA’s online registration instructions.

“These improvements are designed to make managing a FAREPAY account easier and more secure. They also support future benefits, including protecting card balances if a card is lost or stolen and fare capping, which allows frequent riders to save as they use transit.”

He said that customers using the Transit app will not be impacted at this time.

Gustafson said that he isn’t anticipating any additional Zero Fare periods in the near future beyond this weekend, but this could change as needs arise.

“This Zero Fare weekend supports the current phase of UTA’s fare system modernization,” he said. “We will continue to communicate any additional fare system improvements and implementation plans through UTA’s website and social media channels. As of today we do not have additional Zero Fare weekends scheduled, but cannot say for certain until future work and any associated service impacts are confirmed. Our focus right now is completing this phase of the upgrade and delivering the improvements riders can expect.”

He added that the modernization program will go a long ways towards serving UTA users.

“Modernizing a fare collection system that serves riders across our entire service area is a significant undertaking,” he said. “We appreciate our riders’ patience and understanding as we complete this work. These upgrades are an investment in the customer experience. They will help us build a more flexible system that supports better account management, more convenient payment options and new ways for riders to save. Our goal is to make using transit as easy and convenient as possible.”